Wellbody Blog

At Professor Wellbody's Academy of Health & Wellness, we understand there's only one thing harder than making healthy behavior changes: Sticking to them! We all need a little help from our friends, and that's the purpose of the Wellbody Blog, a friendly online gathering spot--a community well--where you can dip into health news; wellness tips; recipes; latest research about nutrition, exercise, sleep and hygiene; plus, real stories from virtual neighbors who are also trying to change their lives for the better. Start from wherever you are; share ideas, information, inspiration. At Pacific Science Center, we believe each of us can do something everyday to improve our health and well-being.

Not only is chocolate delicious, it’s one of the best sweets for your teeth. Chocolate dissolves quickly, which decreases the amount of time sugar stays in contact with teeth. Plus, the calcium in chocolate helps protect tooth enamel.

Keep reading for more healthy news about chocolate and fantastic recipes.

It’s September and still gloriously sunny in Seattle. A summer of record-breaking warmth means tomatoes, cucumbers and tomatillos have actually ripened in home gardens before autumn rains can turn them to green mush.

Farmers’ markets and grocery stores are overflowing with gorgeous, reasonably priced produce. There’s no better time for gazpacho.

Traditional tomato-based gazpacho, filled with vitamins A, C and E and brimming with the antioxidants lycopene and beta-carotene, can help protect your body from cancer by cleaning up the free radicals that damage cells. Some studies have also found regular consumption of gazpacho helps to lower blood pressure. Replacing fatty meals and snacks with vegetables dressed in olive oil would have the same health benefits; gazpacho is, essentially, a cross between salad and smoothie.

This July 4, celebrate America’s birthday with delicious red, white and blue recipes that get their colors—and heart healthy, cancer-fighting powers—from natural antioxidants rather than artificial dyes.

Photo: Crystal ClarityOur ever popular Red, White & Blueberry flag, an edible art project, is a terrific assemble-ahead dessert to make with kids. Stack raspberries, blueberries and banana slices on skewers for a treat filled with fiber, vitamin C, potassium and antioxidants including ellagic acid, a known cancer fighter.

You may already revel in the fact that red wine is rich in resveratrol, an antioxidant that helps protect against strokes and inhibits the growth of cancer cells. But did you know moderate consumption of wine or beer can help protect bones?